Luella's Southern Kitchen

“Such a homey ambiance!”

Such a homey ambiance!! I felt right at home while my grandma was in the kitchen cooking up a good meal! I had the 3 course meal with deviled eggs for appetizer, catfish and grits for my main course, and bread pudding for dessert. I also ordered some beignets. Everything was sooo good, but the bread pudding and melt in your mouth beignets were the top hits!! The beignets were so soft and fluffy. The bread pudding was not overly sweet; it was JUST right! Super soft and a true delicacy. The service was great. Very attentive. I will definitely be back.

Courtney Davenport

Feb 2026

“My girlfriend and I are transplants from the south and this place is exactly what we were looking for.”

My girlfriend and I are transplants from the south and this place is exactly what we were looking for. Luella's has amazing southern cuisine.

Allen Hord

Jan 2026

“Great service, environment and of course great food.”

Great service, environment and of course great food. You will taste great quality. Me and my daughter shared food. The Mac and cheese /collard greens perfect flavor, biscuits gravy with chicken/Nashville chicken and waffles perfect seasoning plus I usually don’t eat spicy but the Nashville I actually ate. We also shared the banana pecan French toast it was delicious. We will be back to taste the rest of the menu. 👍🏾☺️

Nicky S

Nov 2025

“Ok this place is truly amazing.”

Ok this place is truly amazing. We first saw this place on TikTok and it looked so good. I can say it lives up to its hype. For context, my boyfriend is a chef who can be hard to impress, and I lived in the south for 10 years. This blew both of our minds. I am a clean freak and I never touch foods that falls on the table, but I was picking up every single crumbs wherever they landed (we were a little messy). We ordered shrimp and grits, french toast (lemon and cookie crumbles this week), pimento brisket bagel sandwich (another special, don’t remember the exact name) and a side of hash browns and biscuits. Every single one of them were delicious and so flavorful. I don’t know what we have been eating before but other hash browns, grits, and biscuits we have had before aren’t the real deals because they suck. Neither of us like grits in general but we absolutely loved it here. We spoke about the food the whole time while we were there and that is unusual for us. My bf mentioned he could tell everything was made freshly also. Little tip: if you go on weekends, go early. We got there around 1pm and the waitlist was full. This was our second attempt and we went as soon as they opened. Seatings are a lot easier during the week so do that if your job allows it. We will be going back again. Thank goodness we live nearby. The only reason why we can’t stop by often is because we would be so out of shape otherwise. Absolutely amazing.

Monica

Oct 2025

“Fantastic counter service restaurant!”

Fantastic counter service restaurant!! Order from the limited menu before you seat yourself. Everyone in my group of 4 loved their dish. I had pancakes with a side of hash browns. Both were the best I've had in a long time. Service was a little slow. But it was super crowded on a Saturday at 11. Ambience is definitely fun & funky. Bright & warm atmosphere.

Renee Flores

Oct 2025

“Being from Myrtle Beach this restaurant gives me the low country flavors I miss.”

Being from Myrtle Beach this restaurant gives me the low country flavors I miss! My partner and I have made it our brunch spot, doing the short commute from wicker park to get a taste of rotating specials with quality products. We’ve never been disappointed! Service here is great, it smells like Church on the third Sunday where they feed you after. Really nostalgic and thoughtful curation - a single turntable playing the morning queue, wildly accepting place. Friendly for LGBTQ+ indeed. Go get your brunch, savory or sweet - family style it all for a fun time.

Ren Lance

Oct 2025

“I recently went to Luella’s for brunch with a friend visiting from Louisiana, and it did not disappoint.”

I recently went to Luella’s for brunch with a friend visiting from Louisiana, and it did not disappoint! The service was excellent, the outdoor patio was cozy and cute, and the food was full of flavor. Will definitely be back.

Noel Iman Peters

Sep 2025

“Tried their biscuit and gravy with jalapeños , hash brown, Mac & cheese, and chicken.”

Tried their biscuit and gravy with jalapeños , hash brown, Mac & cheese, and chicken. All were really delicious. Good sized portions. Like their metal water cups. It was raining during my visit and that put a damper on outdoor dining.

Mellyna Chy

Sep 2025

“Walking in, the place looks very industrial.”

Walking in, the place looks very industrial. Long bar to the right and ordering counter on the left. We sat out in the patio, they give you a corresponding number when you order. Food was incredible! Had the shrimp & grits and peach cobbler french toast. We did have to ask a few times for our drinks and more water hence the service rating. Would highly recommend and go back myself.

lina ibanez

Sep 2025

“I joined a buddy for brunch and the biscuits and gravy were heavenly with just the right amount of gravy.”

I joined a buddy for brunch and the biscuits and gravy were heavenly with just the right amount of gravy. The shrimp and grits were outstanding and had that perfect balance of spice and creaminess. The staff was so friendly and gave great recommendations without being pushy. I also loved the beignets which were light and decadent. I will definitely be back with a bigger group soon.

b. ff

Sep 2025

“I went to Luella’s Southern Kitchen in Chicago for brunch, and the food was absolutely delicious.”

I went to Luella’s Southern Kitchen in Chicago for brunch, and the food was absolutely delicious! We ordered the Crab Stuffed Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, and the Buttermilk Pancakes. Everything was packed with flavor and very filling. 1. The Buttermilk Pancakes (topped with blueberries) were hands down the BEST I’ve ever had in my life. 2. The Chicken & Waffles came with three crispy, juicy pieces of chicken set on top of fluffy waffles. 3. The Crab Stuffed Shrimp & Grits were flavorful, hearty, and worth every bite. One thing to note: you order before sitting down, which can be tricky if seating is tight. We went for Sunday brunch around 11 and had plenty of options, but by noon the tables were almost gone. Overall, I highly recommend Luella’s Southern Kitchen and can’t wait to go back!

James Stirgus

Aug 2025

“After a long hiatus I took the pilgrimage to check out the new location on Kedzie.”

After a long hiatus I took the pilgrimage to check out the new location on Kedzie. I first met Chef Darnel over 9 years ago at his original location in Lincoln Square. His unique dishes are always delicious and leave you craving more. A bonus at the new location is a great sunny patio and bar seating. I really enjoyed the biscuit and gravy with pimento cheese, andouille, chicken strips, and jalapeños. You certainly won't leave hungry. They just opened a week ago and the staff are so nice and welcoming.

Tim Haeussler

Aug 2025